BK Singh
In a harrowing case from Prayagraj, a 21-year-old woman accused her elder brother and his alleged partner of coercing her to convert to another religion and forcing her into marriage with a much older man from Kolkata.
One of the accused, Rubaiya, has been arrested, and authorities are actively searching for her brother, Rahul Kushwaha, who was recently released after serving a five-year prison term—a man with a long criminal record.
Complaint Details: Family Pressure, Religious Coercion, and Threats
The FIR lodged at Prayagraj Cantonment police station alleges that Rahul introduced Rubaiya—who has two children and a husband in jail—as his wife. She reportedly began influencing the household, even prohibiting Hindu family members from praying at home.
The victim says she was pressured to embrace Islam and marry an elderly stranger, and faced death threats when she refused. The accused are booked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (Sections 298, 351, 352) and the Uttar Pradesh anti-conversion law.
“This isn’t just about coercive family behavior—it may reflect a wider racket,” said SHO SK Kannojia. “Rahul already faces multiple criminal charges. We will explore whether a gang or systematic network is responsible.”
National Alarm: Crimes Against Women Are Escalating
This case is emblematic of a distressing national trend. According to the NCRB’s “Crime in India 2022” report:
- A staggering 445,256 cases of crimes against women were registered in 2022—a 4% increase from 2021.
- Types of crimes:
- 31.4% were “cruelty by husband or relatives”
- 19.2% involved kidnapping or abduction
- 18.7% occurred with the intent to outrage a woman’s modesty
- 7.1% were rape cases
- Uttar Pradesh led the nation in absolute numbers with 65,743 cases, followed by Maharashtra and Rajasthan.
- Delhi recorded the highest crime rate per lakh women—144.4, far above the national average of 66.4
This Prayagraj case underscores that many atrocities against women and girls are not reported or widely publicized, leaving countless victims to suffer in silence under cultural stigma or distrust of the justice process.
Why Accelerated Justice Is Imperative
India’s judicial machinery is overwhelmed with over 50 million pending cases, making justice slow, sometimes painfully so. Victims often experience re-victimization due to procedural delays.
Activists urge the implementation of:
- Fast-track courts dedicated to crimes against women and minors
- Tougher bail criteria for repeat offenders or violent perpetrators
- Strict investigation and hearing deadlines, enforced with accountability
- Consequences for officials who fail to meet timelines
Without these, delays can embolden criminals and further traumatize victims.
Media Must Break the Silence
Too often, egregious cases remain invisible. Advocates stress the need for consistent media coverage, especially regarding sensitive issues like forced conversions, intra-family violence, or trafficking.
“Awareness holds institutions accountable,” notes a rights activist in Lucknow. “Media exposure forces police, courts, and lawmakers into action. Silence only empowers the perpetrators.”
Public Awareness: A Crucial Frontline Defense
To truly protect women, communities must know their rights and feel empowered to act. Schools, colleges, NGOs, and local bodies can promote awareness of legal protections, religious freedom, and emergency support systems. Strengthening helplines, shelters, and safe reporting channels is equally vital.
A Call to Action for Justice, Policy, and Society
This Prayagraj incident is more than a criminal case—it is a test for India’s legal system, media, and collective conscience. It spotlights the vulnerability of women within their homes and communities.
The bravery of the young woman in filing this case demands:
- Swift legal recourse
- Media visibility and public pressure
- Societal awakening and proactive support networks
Failure in any of these is a failure of justice—and of humanity.
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